Red Pearl Kitchen
6703 Melrose Ave
The Scene: Metrosexual Hot
Cuisine: Pan Asian Fusion
Must Try: Close your eyes and point to a menu item
Star Rating: 3
Average Cost: Prix fixe is the best option $45-$75
Only in L.A. can you eat dinner with gorgeous people all around you, AND be in a reality show at the same time. “The Hills” was filming at the table next to us, and we couldn’t decide who was more beautiful, the women or the men.
The Dining Duo enjoyed an Asian feast each time at the new, happening and hopping Red Pearl Kitchen. At the site of the old Alex & Citrus, just west of Highland, the only thing that remains the same is the odd floor. You hardly notice it once you walk past the attractive valet girls and through large exotic carved wood doors, it feels as though you’ve entered a South-East Asian opium den of another century. There’s a separate bar and lounge area, and the restaurant is a giant room filled with lanterns, warm creamy booths and dark teak wood tables.
The crowd is definitely young and pretty, and very metrosexual; the wait staff matched the look. That always makes eating a little more fun. Yet if you strip away the appealing façade, you’re still left with great service and dynamite food prepared by the Thai chef, Ped, who brings the influences of his homeland and those around him to each and every dish. The tasting menu, which the chef creates on the spot, is the best way to dine, and even though one half of the Dining Duo is a bit of a control freak (guess which one), we relented and ate so many interesting and tasty dishes that we just about burst ($45 or $75 per person).
For some of the highlights start with Dim Sum; the Ribs simmered in strawberries and cinnamon ($9) were a taste sensation and the Teriyaki glazed chicken ($9) put a whole new spin on an Asian staple. The use of exotic spices made the Udon Noodles smothered with a generous amount of duck and yellow curry sensational ($11). Chef Ped is big on shrimp, and every variation we tried was superb. Try the Black pepper and caramel shrimp ($16) and see what we mean. The chicken and mango fried rice, laced with basil, ($10) was outdone only by the Udon noodles simmered in bacon, smoky miso and topped with a fried egg ($12).
In true orgasmic style, even the desserts are called “happy endings”, and they were; don’t miss the Vietnamese Coffee Sundae which just about made us have our own happy endings ($6). Hang on to your receipt because if you come back the following Monday, regardless of how many folks you bring, the eats are half price on everything.
Tuesday
Mr. Chow – LA
344 Camden Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-278-9911
The Scene: Mobbed with glitterati and those who watch them
Cuisine: High End Chinese
Must Try: Crispy Duck in Thin Pancakes
Star Rating: 3 out of 4
Average Cost: Prix Fixe $54
In 1968, Michael Chow exploded on the London scene with his trendy Chinese restaurant, which quickly became the watering hole for those who were famous, those who want to be famous, and those who want to be around the famous. In 1974 the new Beverly Hills exploded on the scene. In a fickle town that changes every nanosecond, Mr. Chow has survived and flourished; a reservation there is a virtual commodity.
So what’s new at Mr. Chow’s? A new room mirroring the existing room, as well as a private and exclusive dining room overlooking the entire scene, expands the bustling eatery. The Dining Duo has visited dozens of times, and there isn’t once that we haven’t tangled chopsticks with major celebrities, from the likes of Penelope Cruz (totally gorgeous) to Babyface, and everyone in between.
Surrounded by Warhols & Harings (and others featuring Mr. Chow in some form or another), the simple black and white elegance is a backdrop for the always-fabulous fare. We usually let the waiter pick out dishes for us so that we can experience something new and interesting. For an ebullient way to start have a glass of champagne and the waiter will bring you a bucket filled with a dozen different choices. Catapult into delectable appetizers such as their version of minced squab in lettuce cups. One of our particular favorites is the crispy duck, served with simple, yet delicate pancakes and plum sauce. These days it’s all about the “price fixed”; $54 per guest will buy such delectable treats as their perfectly made Filet Mignon, sea bass so light it nearly floats, a unique take on fried rice, and more. If not fixed, this haunt proves a bit “spendy”.
All of the above accolades said, we were surprised to discover that Mr. Chow still cooks with MSG, so pick and choose carefully if you need to avoid it. Also, be prepared for a fun and loud evening; this is not a romantic destination, and the thumping bass of the indefinable music, over the din of the customers, can wear your nerves by the end of the evening (more champagne please).
And of course, you always feel like a major celebrity when you exit and see the paparazzi hovering to glimpse if you are someone “famous.” Although they didn’t take any pictures of the Dining Duo, in our minds, we believe we are.
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